Reading - Signs & Notices
B1
Cambridge English B1 Exam
Look at the text of each sign. What does it suggest? Select the option that best captures the meaning of the sign.
PET-Style Signs Practice
Sign 1
Students must show a library card to borrow books. Visitors can read here but can’t take books home.
What does this sign suggest?
Everyone can borrow books if they promise to bring them back later.
You may read in the library without a card, but you need one to borrow books.
Visitors must show a library card to read books in the library.
Sign 2
Kitchen closed for cleaning until 2 p.m. Please use the café on the ground floor.
What does the text say?
The café on the ground floor will close at 2 p.m. because of cleaning.
The kitchen is open until 2 p.m. for cleaning only.
You can’t use this kitchen before 2 p.m., so you should go to the café downstairs.
Sign 3
Cyclists should use the side gate. The main entrance is for pedestrians only.
What does this sign suggest?
People on bikes are recommended to enter through the side gate, not the main door.
Cyclists should use the main entrance, and pedestrians must use the side gate.
Cyclists are not allowed to enter the building at all.
Sign 4
Danger: Wet floor. Walk carefully and don’t run in this area.
What does the notice advise people to do?
Move slowly here because the floor is slippery.
You should avoid this area because it is closed all day.
The floor is wet only if you run.
Sign 5
To enter the exam room, you have to switch off your phone. No exceptions.
What does the text say?
You have to switch off your phone only if the teacher asks.
Your phone must be turned off before you go into the exam room.
You can leave your phone on if you keep it in your bag.
About Reading Signs & Notices — Cambridge English B1
This Cambridge English B1 Reading Signs & Notices exercise shows short public messages — signs, labels, emails and notes. For each one, choose the option that best explains its meaning.
It tests your understanding of everyday English and the real purpose behind short, functional messages you meet in daily life.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Reading Signs & Notices?
You read a short message such as a sign, label or note and choose the option that best explains what it means or wants you to do.
What does it test?
Understanding the purpose and meaning of short, real-world English messages.
Any tips for Signs & Notices?
Ask yourself who wrote the message and why — the correct option matches its real purpose, not just individual words in it.
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What to do
This part of the reading test consists of five images with messages. Each image has 3 possible answer options. What does the notice say?
Read the notices and messages first. Don’t look at the choices until you understand the texts.
Compare each option with the text before choosing your answer. Remember that the wrong, answers might seem to be correct at first, so it is important to read the chosen option again to check that the meanings match.
Strategy
- Read the text and decide what situation it could appear in.
- Look at the images, the design often suggests the correct answer.
- Read the three options.
- Compare each option with the text before choosing an answer.
- Read the chosen option again to be sure it is a right answer.